Kovacevich will report to Michael Lemme, DC’s chief creative, and has been assigned to direct the creative approach for the agency’s recent wins: the Golden State Warriors, Kat Von D Beauty, InnovAsian Cuisine, and cloud-based HR provider Trinet.

Lemme said in a statement: "John’s creative talent impressed immediately, and is rooted in a deeper understanding of our clients’ business challenges. He freelanced with us this summer and we just decided we didn’t want him to leave. He was a fit from day one.”

Andy Berkenfield, Duncan Channon’s chief executive, added: “At a time when our agency is growing, he’s the type of creative leader you want – smart, funny and people just love working with him. We’re lucky to have someone like John who enjoys helping younger creatives find their voice as much as he does creating big ideas for clients.”

Kovacevich said: "This is the corniest-new-hire-press-release-cliché of all time, but DC just felt different. They do good work and they’re not dicks. Can you say ‘dicks’ in a press release?"